“Bordure” Trees in France

Description of system

In France, the Association Française d’Agroforesterie (AFAF) and the Institut pour le Développement Forestier (IDF) have met with about 40 stakeholders across France who are involved with local projects focused on “Bordure” trees. “Bordure” trees can include trees found in hedgerows, riparian forests, buffer strips (with woody vegetation) and wood edges. Many of the groups are focused on tree products such as wood pellets for energy or animal bedding, wood for timber, or fruit production.

Initial stakeholder meeting

Ten stakeholders completed a questionnaire which highlighted that the most positive attribute of the hedgerow trees were products that could be produced. The benefits for biodiversity, soil conservation and animal health and welfare were also well-recognised. The most negative issues relate to a lack of knowledge in terms of management, the management costs, mechanisation and the complexity of work. Development of local markets for tree products, more knowledge on the use of wood pellets as a fuel or as animal bedding, and the role of pollarding were seen as key areas for further research and development.

If you would like to know about the activity of this group, please contact : Nina Malignier rd@agroforesterie.fr

Download the initial stakeholder report

An initial stakeholder report was produced in February 2015.

Download the initial research and development protocol

A research and development protocol was produced in June 2015.

Download the system descriptions

A system description describing the measurement of pollard trees in South West France was produced in May 2016.

Download the innovation leaflet

26_Farming_with_pollards.pdf (500.0 KiB)